Anne Birgitte Nielsen, post.doc., phd: abn@geus.dk
Peter Rasmussen, senior researcher, phd: per@geus.dk
Richard Bradshaw, senior researcher, phd: rhwb@geus.dk
Emily Ryves, post.doc., phd: egb@geus.dk
Description:
Within a larger department of Quaternary geology the landscape history group comprises two researchers (Richard Bradshaw, Peter Rasmussen) and two post-docs (Anne Nielsen, Emily Ryves). Research on links between long-term land-use, nutrient leaching and lake eutrophication is associated with the landscape history group. A major focus of the group is understanding the origin and temporal development of the cultural landscape in Denmark. Within this focal area, special efforts are being made within land-cover/pollen deposition relationships using historical analogues (maps) and sub-recent (AD 1800) lake sediments. Forest-related research comprises the long-term monitoring of permanent forest plots and studies of past forest dynamics and processes investigated using palaeoecological methods. Research projects investigate past European forest composition and biodiversity, with a focus on forest structure and the importance of disturbance agencies such as grazing animals, fire and direct anthropogenic impact. The impact of climate change on forest ecosystems is a major concern. Other recent projects include research into the relation between archaeological and palynological records and high resolution studies of Neolithic land-use impacts on vegetation, soil erosion and nutrient leaching. Most of this research is done within larger interdisciplinary projects. Further details on some of the research themes can be found in the institute home page (http://www.geus.dk/geuspage-uk.htm).